Dear Joseph, Somewhere along the way....

You went from being "Joey" to Joe and often times Joe Joe.  I just re read the letters I wrote to you on the night before your birth and from your one year birthday.  You were so little.  You were so squishy.  You were so "joey".

I just spoke to you on the telephone.  You are on a train ride with your Daddy in Colorado.  (Coldorado, in your words).  You are riding the "Polar Distress train" and having the time of your life with Hot chocolate, a new train whistle and a conductors hat.  You've been on a "great american road trip" with your daddy and you've been so good.  You've colored and watched Fireman Sam.  You've saved people and had adventures.  You ate rocky mountain oysters (ewhhhhhh) and steak fingers in Amarillo.  You swam and drew on the windows (with window paint).  You charmed my aunt Jan by climbing in her lap.  You are so grown up.

You're so tall.  I remember you being so tiny and me being able to swing you up... and now... now you are almost over half as tall as me.  I can still lift you up but it's more of a hefting.  But you are still MY baby.  You still wrap your arms around my neck and tangle your hands in my hair.  (although now you ask me if you can play with my hair).   You fall asleep on your own but if you have your way...  it's attached to my pony tail.  You now have full on conversations with us.  You strike an attitude when you don't get your way.  You mouth off.  You make jokes.  You test boundaries.   You love limitlessly.  You experience joy with every inch of your body and display it through your eyes. 

 You have become a little boy before my very eyes.  You started preschool and know how to spell your name.  You know how to count.  You are independent enough to play outside by yourself.  You have your own opinions and you know how to share them.  I can see personality traits that are mine and that are your daddy's.  I can see both sets of grandparents in you.  But above all... you are my Joe Joe.

I just know that I am going to blink again and you'll be starting high school.  Take it easy on me kid, okay?

I love you to the moon and back!

Mommy!